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Sailor recounts near-collision with Navy submarine
A solo sailor was left terrified and shaking after a near-collision with a U.S. Navy submarine on St. Mary’s River.
FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. - A solo sailor experienced a terrifying close call when her vessel nearly collided with a U.S. Navy submarine in St. Mary’s River.
Navy encounter on river
What we know:
A woman who goes by ‘Shay Love’ said she was sailing alone down the Florida side of St. Mary’s River on June 4 when she noticed something strange in the distance but could not identify it. As she came upon the submarine, U.S. Navy officials ordered her to leave the area immediately.
She turned her boat in the opposite direction and followed their instructions while apologizing profusely to the crew. She posted profanity-laced TikTok footage of the encounter, admitting she was shaking, terrified, and temporarily unable to speak.
Equipment and current struggles
What we don't know:
Officials have not yet confirmed the specific class of the submarine or the exact speed of the vessel during the encounter.
Love explained she was stressed because her boat was running out of diesel while fighting a 10-knot current. Unable to get fuel, she feared her motor would die in the middle of the river during the launch.
Hard-learned lessons at sea
What they're saying:
"That was absolutely insane," Deasy said. "That was up there in the top 10 scariest things that have happened to me while driving."
She admitted the situation was entirely her fault and chalked the experience up to "boat life." Deasy noted she needs to get a new handheld radio and turn up the volume on her backup radio to avoid future close calls.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered by Storyful from video footage and public statements provided by sailor ‘Shay Love’.